She knew immediately which one she wanted: the beautiful deep brown one. It was a 1673 Stradivarius, which had been found in America and cost £6,000, a high price for a cello at that time. I was in my room when they returned that evening. ‘Hil, come and see what I’ve got,’ Jackie called. ‘I’ve fallen in love!’ I dashed downstairs. There in the sitting room was the new whopping creature. ‘Listen to this, Hil. I haven’t been able to make sounds like this before. And it’ll get even better!’ The powerful, rich tone enveloped us and we all became as excited as Jackie, while she played her heart out in a world of her own. << less